July 2019 Splash

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Liberty at the Lake

30 years after the first parade, 4th of July traditions keep growing LUTZENBERGERS HONORED AS GRAND MARSHALS PAGE 2

THREE WAY RACE FOR CITY COUNCIL POSITION 7 PAGE 4

BABY CASH WINNING HEARTS DESPITE HEALTH PAGE 31

2 • JULY 2019

Lutzenbergers honored as 2019 grand marshals

By Tammy Kimberley Splash Correspondent

Who could imagine that glitter would be an occupational hazard of volunteering?

Nobody knows that better that Pat Lutzenberger, who has a selfdescribed garage full of glitter due to her decades-long involvement with local events such as the Kiwanis Father-Daughter Dance and library tea.

“I can’t tell you how much glitter has been in this house,” she said. “I’ve got scrapbooks full of memories and a house full of glitter.”

Pat said that her husband Mike Lutzenberger first persuaded her to sign up with Kiwanis, an organization where he enlisted as a charter member in 2001. She also credited him with the idea of starting a K-Kids Club at the local elementary school.

Just like the glitter that marks their house, the legacy of Mike and Pat’s work is sprinkled among multiple organizations and generations in the area.

And for their involvement in the community, they have been selected to be the grand marshals of the 2019 Liberty Lake Fourth of July Community Parade.

To say the Lutzenbergers have been members of Kiwanis does not give justice to their community service, according to Ross Schneidmiller, who is on the committee that selects the parade marshals.

“The two of them have headed up or participated in most everything the Liberty Lake Kiwanis has been involved in,” Schneidmiller said. “Whether it be K-Kids, scholarships, food service at Pavillion Park, the Fourth of July Parade and beyond, they have put their hearts into it.”

Linda Dockrey, who met the Lutzenbergers when they joined Kiwanis about 18 years ago, served with Pat on the Community Library Council (CLC) and later as library trustees. The two worked

NEWS

together for many years on service projects such as the annual library tea, Kiwanis Father-Daughter Dance and K-Kids at Liberty Lake Elementary School.

They were a good team leading K-Kids, Dockrey said, as Pat came up with ideas and she ran with the logistics. They both took pride in working with a younger generation to instill the importance of giving back to the community.

The group received three Chase Youth Awards during their 10year run as leaders.

“Pat’s a fun and creative person, and Mike is very dependable,” Dockrey said. “If they said they were going to do something, you could count on them.”

While they’ve taken a step back from some activities in recent years, Mike and Pat still make time for the relationships they’ve made in the community. Meeting friends for coffee every morning is part of their normal routine.

“It gets us up and out of the house,” Mike said. “We plan our appointments and the rest of the day around our coffee time.”

And the Lutzenbergers said they’re not done yet. Mike recently wrapped up another round of awarding scholarships via the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation, a project dear to his heart that he helped establish. And Pat is getting out the glitter once again as she gears up for the Liberty Lake Library Soiree for which she is this year’s decorating chairman.

“When they were asked to serve as grand marshals they were quick to point out they have not been as involved recently,” Schneidmiller said. “They have honored our community with their service, and it is time for the community to honor them.”

The Splash recently caught up with the Lutzenbergers to find out more about why they choose to invest in the community as well as recollect some of their favorite memories from their years of service.

Q: How long have you lived in

Photo by Tammy Kimberley Mike and Pat Lutzenberger, who are this year’s grand marshals for the Fourth of July Community Parade, have spent countless hours volunteering for causes to better the community.

The Splash Liberty Lake?

Mike: I was transferred here from Havre, Mont., about 22 years ago when I worked for Frisco Railroad. We were looking for a place just off the interstate that was handy for our kids who were in college to get to. We found Liberty Lake and thought we’d died and gone to heaven!

Pat: We moved here partially because of the golf courses, but we don’t play anymore. But we are centrally located from our kids and grandkids in Bozeman, Las Vegas and Cle Elum.

Q: What are some unique things that sets Liberty Lake apart from other communities?

Mike: Liberty Lake had a smalltown atmosphere like Havre, but it had big-city amenities with Spokane. It’s a planned community with mountain views, lake trails and lots of trees. And there’s always something going on.

Q: Have you always been involved in volunteering in some way, or did you take on more during your retirement years?

Pat: I’ve been active with kids and schools no matter where we lived. Mike traveled quite a bit when he worked, so it was my number one priority to make sure our kids got involved. I was right there with them.

Mike: Shortly after we moved here, my company downsized and offered a buyout. We got involved in volunteering together and spent a lot of time doing it. We had to decide whether we wanted to play golf or continue what we were doing in our volunteer work.

Q: In what areas have you volunteered in the community?

Pat: When Mike retired, we spent every day working some community activity, mostly Kiwanis. I served as president and Foundation board member as well as chaired many fundraisers and events such as the big pancake feed with the Easter Egg hunt and the back-to-school BBQ at Liberty Lake Elementary. In addition, I served on the library board of trustees and was the fundraising chairman for the library’s spring

See LUTZENBERGER, Page 5

JULY 2019 • 3

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4 • JULY 2019

Three candidates seek Position 7 on the Liberty Lake council

By Keith Erickson Splash Correspondent

After running unopposed in the past two elections, Liberty Lake City Councilwoman Cris Kaminskas faces two opponents in her bid to retain a seat she has held for nearly 10 years.

Kaminskas will square off against Tom Stanley and Jeanette Marie Nall in the Aug. 6 primary election. The top two vote-getters will be on the general election ballot in November.

All three candidates are active in the community and expressed a desire to make a difference. Both challengers emphasized the need for a fresh perspective to take on challenges facing the community.

“I just think the City Council needs a change in personnel — we’ve had a lot of the same people in there for a while, and I don’t necessarily agree with their ethics,” Nall said.

While she supports managed growth, Nall said the council has made poor decisions in the past as it relates to development within the city. She cited an example where an RV park was allowed in place of a proposed residential/commercial development that she says would have been more conducive to the city’s interests.

Cris Kaminskas

NEWS

“I think the council is easily (influenced) by a few loud voices,” Nall said. “Growth is inevitable, and it’s a good thing if it’s properly planned, but I don’t always see that occurring with this council.”

Nall holds a master’s degree in finance and said the city should be run like a business.

“You have to look at what is healthy for the bottom line for the city, and I don’t see that happening,” she said. “Liberty Lake is a phenomenal place to live, and I think we need a council more composed of businesspeople who understand growth and how to manage it.”

Nall, 50, retired from the Air Force in 2011 after serving 20 years in the field of aerospace physiology.

She lives in Liberty Lake with her husband, Daniel, and has four children.

Forty-three-year-old Tom Stanley is also a strong community advocate and volunteer. A station manager overseeing operations for Southwest Airlines at the Spokane International Airport, Stanley said he is seeking a position on the council to offer a new voice.

“I wanted to get involved to make sure people on city government are held accountable,” he said. “I’m not saying that the current council is

Jeanette Marie Nall

not, but a lot of the members have been there a long time, and I think it’s time for other people to step up and take the baton regarding management duties of the city.”

Stanley cautioned Liberty Lake may be growing too fast and said he would like to see development restrictions to some degree.

“I’m not sure a majority of residents here would like to see the growth continue at the rate it has,” he said. “There is a need for change, and that will bring more people and business, but it must be measured.”

He voiced concerns about growth outpacing the city’s ability to respond appropriately with services and infrastructure.

“If we grow too fast (the city) can’t get in front of it,” said Stanley, a newcomer to politics who said he would limit his tenure on the council if elected.

Active in the community, Stanley is president of the Riverview Little League and volunteers on the Liberty Lake Arts and Recreation Commission as an appointee of the mayor.

Stanley has lived in Liberty Lake for four years with his wife, Sharon.

They have five children.

Incumbent Kaminskas had an early introduction into municipal politics. Her father, Bob Moore, is a fellow Liberty Lake Council Member who first served on a City Council in Montgomery, Ohio, more than four decades ago. As a youngster, Kaminskas was involved in local politics.

“I remember staying up for elections, and that kind of inspired

Tom Stanley

The Splash

Candidates agree controlled growth a top priority Community activism and managing rapid growth are a common thread among the three candidates seeking election to Position 7 on the Liberty Lake City Council.

All three candidates acknowledge the vast appeal of Liberty Lake that has triggered a population boom of more than 30 percent over the past decade to nearly 10,000 residents, up from a population of 7,600 in 2010.

Dealing with growth effectively and with the community’s best interest in mind is top priority, the candidates said. Officials must balance increased demands on infrastructure and services including roads, schools and law enforcement with quality of life issues.

me. I went to council meetings growing up, and I wanted to get involved,” she said.

Like her challengers, Kaminskas, 50, sees growth as a major issue facing the city.

“I hear a lot of complaining about how fast it is occurring, and I wish we had control over some of that but we don’t,” she said. “We can’t tie the hands of developers and businesses that want to come in; we need to manage it as best we can and be proactive rather than reactive.”

Kaminskas said she is pleased with the way the council has addressed challenges facing the city.

“Overall, the city is doing what it can to have growth pay for itself,” she said.

For example, impact fees paid by developers and utility taxes collected by the city provide a matching funding mechanism that allows the city to apply for state and federal grants for critical infrastructure improvements like alleviating traffic congestion.

Fiscally, Kaminskas points out the city has acted responsibly.

“In 2010 when I joined the council, the (levy) mill rate was $1.56 per $1,000 valuation, now it’s $1.54 per $1,000,” she said.

Kaminskas resides in Liberty Lake with her husband, Scott, and son, Kyle.

Three other council positions and the mayor’s seat are also up for election. Each of those nonpartisan races includes two candidates and will be decided in November’s general election.

JULY 2019 • 5

The Splash

NEWS LUTZENBERGER Continued from page 2

tea.

Mike: Like Pat, I’ve served in various roles with Kiwanis (president, vice president, treasurer, secretary) and worked with many fundraisers and committees. With the Liberty Lake Kiwanis Foundation, we have given students over $188,000 in scholarships. I’ve also been involved with the Liberty Lake Lodging Tax Committee and the Liberty Lake Library Foundation.

Q: Were there specific events or activities you especially enjoyed being a part of?

Pat: My two favorite events were K-Kids and the Father-Daughter Dance. One of my favorite dance themes was when we did Mardi Gras. We always had wonderful kids, and I still see them out and about and have even been invited to a few of their weddings.

Mike: It’s always a pleasure when she sees those kids. My most favorite part was working concessions at concerts in the park and the Fourth of July parade and fireworks. It was work but it was fun.

Q: What are some memories from volunteering over the years that hold a special place in your heart?

Mike: I’ve worked many summer nights making cotton candy at Pavillion Park during the movies and concerts.

Pat: Mike was the maintenance person who kept the popcorn and cotton candy machines working.

Before the concession stand was put in, we had the trailer for many years that we parked at our house for the weekend activities. After each event, the Kiwanis volunteers would come to our house, count the money at our kitchen table and talk about the night. Sometimes we’d have 10 people around the table counting a dollar at a time.

We had camaraderie.

Q: How would you persuade other residents to get involved?

Pat: It depends on the individual and their age and stage of life.

When our kids were younger, we did things with their schools.

Everybody can do something. We just like getting out and meeting people.

Mike: It feels good raising money and giving back to those in the community. There are so many opportunities in the community to help others. You’ll never regret getting involved.

Q: How did you feel when you learned that you were selected as the grand marshals of this year’s Fourth of July parade?

Mike: It’s a little overwhelming that they would even consider us. But we’re appreciative and grateful for it.

Pat: I couldn’t believe it. After I found out we were nominated, I went out and bought Fourth of July decorations for the golf cart.

We’re going to have fun throwing candy out to the kids!

Liberty Lake parade grand marshals

The following have been honored as grand marshals since the inception of the Fourth of July Parade in Alpine Shores in 1989: 2019 Mike & Pat Lutzenberger 2018 Ron & Linda Knudsen 2017 Lorna Freeman 2016 Bruce & Marge Johnson 2015 Margaret Vandiver 2014 Tom & Bev Markson 2013 Harley & Lorraine Halverson 2012 Dave & Susan Graham 2011 Bob & Barbara Gamble 2010 Lois Hatch 2009 Darlene Stokke 2008 Dick & Donna Hoover 2007 Ray & Karen Ruef 2006 Harold & Joan Hughes 2005 Anton “Ras” Rasmussen 2004 Howard & Mary Floy Dolphin 2003 Lyle Stephenson 2002 Floyd & Betty Johnson 2001 Lud Kramer 2000 Lee Smith 1999 Elmer Schneidmiller 1998 Rosie Brady 1997 Ruth Barnes 1996 Bob Blair 1995 Jim Brumm 1994 Bob Wills Sr. 1993 Della Neyland 1992 Alex Farrante 1991 Ann MacKenzie Wyatt 1990 June Bailey 1989 Sigwell Knudsen

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6 • JULY 2019

The Splash

Police Report From Splash News Sources

The following activity of the Liberty Lake Police Department was reported for the month of April: • Total incidents and calls for service 600 • Traffic collisions 4 • Citations 65 • DUI 3 • Theft 12 • Malicious mischief 3 • Argument/assault 9 • Parking violations 11 • Suspicious vehicles 25 DUI – On May 9, officers stopped a vehicle in the area of East Appleway Avenue and North Signal Road after observing the vehicle’s speed to be 44 in a posted 35 mph zone. As the officer initiated his emergency lights to signal for the vehicle to stop, the vehicle suddenly pulled over, jumping the curb. The vehicle then pulled off the curb and came to a stop on the street. Upon contact with the female driver, the officers noticed signs of drug impairment. After concluding an investigation to include a consent search of the vehicle, the female driver was placed under arrest for DUI (drugs), possession of controlled substance (methamphetamine). She was transported and booked to the Spokane County Jail.

DUI – On May 11, officers stopped a vehicle at North Harvard Road and

Thank you to all of the registered participants and vendors this year. To date we have been able to bless over 200 students with over $200,000 going to further their education and it is only through great community members supporting our events such as this one over the years.

Suggestions are welcome at events@libertylakekiwanis.org and we are always looking for volunteers for this event and others! Visit our website for information about future events.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Liberty Lake

East Euclid Avenue after observing the vehicles speed to be 55 in a posted 35 mph zone. After contacting the driver, officers observed signs of impairment and detected the faint odor of alcohol.

After their investigation, the male driver was placed under arrest for DUI, and the a small baggie with a white powdery substance was located. The officers recognized the substance to be consistent with that of cocaine, and a field test confirmed this. The driver was transported to the Spokane County Jail, where he was booked for DUI, and possession of controlled substance (cocaine).

Domestic violence – On May 29, officers responded to the report of a domestic violence assault located in the area of 22809 E. Country Vista Drive. Following contact with the involved individuals and an ensuing investigation, officers arrested one of the involved parties for second degree DV assault. The individual was transported to the Spokane County Jail and booked for the aforementioned criminal offense.

Vehicle accident – On May 30, officers responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision located at North Liberty Lake Road and East Settler Drive. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained to any of the parties involved. After an investigation into what caused the collision, one of the drivers was cited for dangerously distracted driving.

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JULY 2019 • 7

The Splash

The Lookout MEMO from the

Mayor

By Mayor Steve Peterson

The Liberty Lake Farmers Market is more than fruit, vegetables, flowers and beef. The Farmers Market is where we come together, visit our neighbors, talk with friends, bring our guests or just wander around.

The city has had a display or tent there since 2012 to discuss what is happening face-to-face in our city. We want to listen to our

citizens concerns, requests, ideas or compliments. We want – more than anything – input on what is happening in your lives that directly impacts how we deliver services.

It has been a success! Town Square Park, where the market is located, was the beneficiary of all your suggestions. After eight years, we are now a regular and have OUR space. We pitch tents and invite our other community partners to join us in sharing information to make the community a better place. This brings me to our friends at Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD).

We have ordered and will be

placing AEDs (automated external defibrillators) in every park and city facility where they will be accessible to the public. SVFD will be training all city staff including our park crews on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and how to use the AEDs. SVFD has agreed to provide CPR and AED demonstrations periodically at our tent during Saturday’s Farmers Market. They will also provide basic information in print for you to take home. With the success of the Liberty Lake’s new website, we also will be hosting video on using AEDs and providing you with direction on subscribing to the free Pulse Point

Follow the city’s most popular maintenance crew

The city’s celebrated four-legged creatures are back as Liberty Lake’s famous herd of goats can be seen thinning out burdensome brush.

The city began utilizing goats to clean up overgrown areas in 2012. The ad-hoc maintenance crew began with four animals. At one point in 2014, that number had grown considerably. Parks and Operations Director Jennifer Camp is responsible for managing the goats and keeps them at her farmhouse in Otis Orchards over the winter.

“They’re easier to take care of than my dogs,” Camp says.

Camp rescued two goats – “Annie” and “Oakley” – in 2015. By last year, the herd had grown to 10 after “Keenai,” “Turk” and “Kahn” were added to the family.

Over the years, the city’s goats have turned into celebrities, appearing on TV and in the newspaper.

Please remember that the city does not know in advance where the goats will be working because it depends on the need for weed eradication. However, keep your eye out for them in the common (weedy) areas of the city. We frequently post pictures of them on the city’s Facebook page.

Orchard Park built for family, community memories

By Hugh Severs Liberty Lake City Council I remember being 2 or 3 years old, sitting on a curb, watching my father and a team of neighborhood dads build a massive, amazing, wooden play structure for the use of my friends and I in the cul-desac where we lived. It was one of the coolest things I had ever seen and now, over 30 years later, I can still vividly remember jumping off the swings, running, sliding, climbing and just getting to be a kid.

I now know it was a very small, two-swing, one-slide, simple wooden structure – not as grand as my childhood memories suggested! But it is these types of memories that prove the value of community parks and open

spaces.

Orchard Park is no small play structure. In fact – it’s a vibrant colored splash pad, winding trike course, Palouse-like rolling hills, basketball and tennis/pickle ball courts and wonderfully placed trees. It certainly surpasses the little pocket park of my memories by 100-fold. Yet, as we gathered for the park’s soft opening on June 15, I was reminded of that play set and felt grateful for the Liberty Lake community, organizations like Greenstone Homes and the Central Valley School District and for groups of passionate citizens like Kyle Stevenson and others who pushed for Orchard Park to have robust, awesome amenities.

Many kids ran through the misting and dumping of water that Saturday afternoon and I smiled thinking about memories, memories those kids are making as they splashed and played; childhood memories racing a trike through the tunnel of rings;

July 2019 app (go to www.pulsepoint.org to sign up) which notifies citizens that there is a sudden cardiac arrest happening in a public place nearby and will give you that location and where the closest AED can be found.

It even gives you basic guidance with how to perform CPR. This means we all can help our neighbors in an emergency where the difference in life and death is directly related to response time.

Please learn the basic skills of CPR and use of AEDs at the market or city website (www.libertylakewa. gov). Your life or others may depend on it! memories of making music on the playground instruments – yes – there are instruments! – and memories of picnics, friends and family.

As a father of two boys going into fourth and seventh grade, I can already see them heading to Ridgeline High School and on to college. Having Orchard Park in our neighborhood will afford my wife, my boys and I amazing memories while the boys are still in the house. I look forward to driving the golf cart to play tennis in the evenings, cooling off in the splash pad (dad included!) afterward and enjoying one of our beautiful, Liberty Lake sunsets as we head back home.

Thank you, mothers, fathers and leaders of the community for the support to build a park where memories will be made in the heart of the River District.

Celebrate Independence Day at Pavillion Park

The city of Liberty Lake welcomes everyone to join in the fun and pageantry of Independence Day at Pavillion Park.

Join neighbors and community on the Fourth of July from 6 to 9 p.m. for live music followed by the fireworks show that will begin at approximately 10 p.m. If you get there early, bring the kids because Hugs and Noses will be painting faces from 4 to 6 p.m.

https://www.facebook.com/libertylakewa • www.libertylakewa.gov

8 • JULY 2019

The Splash

City Council News and Notes

By Craig Howard Splash Contributing Editor

The following items were discussed during city meetings in June: • Police Chief Brian Asmus said the agency is working on a prescription drug drop box and is involved in discussions with the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District in developing the idea. The box is for prescription drugs that are no longer being used.

• LLPD is in the process of collecting information and releasing bids for the purchase of additional radar speed signs.

• LLPD is offering the Peacemaker Badge as part of the “Play Unplugged” program this summer.

• Sakti Hiatt of LLPD appeared as a guest speaker at the Attorney General’s Office Local Government Records University on national incident base reporting and police records.

• The Spokane Valley Fire Department was recently honored as EMS Agency of the Year. SVFD Chief Bryan Collins told council that the agency achieved a 74 percent survival rate in cases of cardiac arrest. Collins said the department’s focus on early CPR training, defibrillators and the PulsePoint program – alerting residents to incidents of cardiac arrest – all contributed to the honor. “It’s a testament not necessarily of the Spokane Valley Fire Department but that the community is taking these things seriously.”

• Collins said SVFD responded recently to a serious injury involving the rider of a onewheel hoverboard. The youth was not wearing a helmet and was hospitalized after suffering a seizure. “It was really unfortunate,”

Collins said. “The important message is to really wear a helmet. It’s hard to see these kinds of incidents when they’re easily preventable.”

• Julie Happy is the new community affairs manager for SVFD after being employed for 12 years with the city of Spokane.

• Collins said SVFD “will have a presence” at the Liberty Lake Farmers Market this season, providing safety presentations.

• Library Director Jocelyn Redel told council that summer reading is important for kids, noting that reading comprehension decreases when books are not part of the warmweather agenda. This year’s theme is “A Universe of Stories.” The program begins on June 17 and concludes the end of August. Prizes will be awarded.

There is also a summer reading program for adults entitled “Home and Living Spaces – Green Living.”

• The second annual Friends of the Library Summer Soiree will be held July 24 at the Liberty Lake Wine Cellars.

• Redel recognized the contributions of retiring Library Board of Trustees Member Lu Embry, who she said, “helped guide the policies, mission, vision, values and goals of the library with clarity and a lot of enthusiasm.” Embry, who worked for East Valley and Central Valley school districts and Gonzaga University, thanked the city for their support of the library, calling it “the hub of our community where we learn and revere our culture, past, present and future.”

• City Administrator Katy Allen gave a recap of the Rotary Memorial Day Breakfast at Pavillion Park, noting the coverage of the event by Spokane Public Radio. The program was attended by around 600 people and included U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers and retired Air Force Col. Brian Newberry while

raising $4,500 for Honor Flight.

• The Parks and Arts Commission facilitated a loan agreement for a piece of art titled “Requiem to the Horses,” courtesy of resident John Vickrey. The art will be displayed at City Hall for one year.

Council authorized acceptance of the loan agreement on June 18.

• Finance Director RJ Stevenson has been appointed to the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Advisory Commission.

• Mayor Steve Peterson appointed Paul Brown and Joe Mann to the Planning Commission as adjunct members. Kate Laven was appointed by the mayor to the Parks and Arts Commission. Council approved all three appointments.

• The city will be adding electric scooters at Trailhead Golf Course, manufactured by Montana-based Finn Scooters. “It’s basically a one-person golf cart,” said Trailhead pro Chris Johnston. The pilot program will start with four scooters – weighing less than 100 pounds each – with the option to ramp up to eight. Cost to the city is $500 per scooter, with the city having the option to drop the scooters and be reimbursed if the idea does not catch on. “It’s almost like riding a bicycle,” Johnston added. Individuals sign up via an app and take on any liability similar to the power scooters made popular in the city of Spokane. Those who use the two-wheeled scooters must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license similar to the rules governing golf carts. Johnston said the scooters, with a cost of $13 per nine holes, align with Trailhead’s emphasis on a faster pace of play.

Johnston said the scooters are likely to be available by mid-July. “It’s one of those new, innovative things for golf, and I thought it would generate a revenue stream we didn’t have,” Johnston said.

• Stevenson said sales tax revenue is down about 5 percent from this time last year but up 5 percent

from revenue in 2017.

• Stevenson said the city is conducting a staff compensation study that will factor into the 2020 municipal budget.

• Operations and Maintenance Director Jennifer Camp said this summer represents “the busiest reservation season the city has ever had.”

• A platform at Rocky Hill Park that was recently vandalized has been repaired, Camp said.

• The city has purchased four AEDs (automated external defibrillators) that will be installed at local parks. AEDs are used to restore the heart to its normal rhythm in incidents of cardiac arrest.

• Tom Sahlberg of the Parks and Arts Commission commended the city for the soft opening ceremony for Orchard Park on June 15.

• A resident letter read into the record at the June 18 City Council promoted the need for an off-leash dog park within city limits.

• The Parks and Arts Commission has extended a call for artists regarding a mural in Pavillion Park and a goat statue project.

• Mayor Pro Tem Shane Brickner said there has been some resident concern related to speeding on two roads – Indiana and Aladdin – that feed into the River District.

Radar speed signs were brought up as a way to address the issue.

• The city is planning to post live video of City Council meetings on its Facebook page beginning July 2.

• A pair of flashing traffic beacons will be installed soon in the River District to enhance pedestrian safety. Allen said both projects are currently in the design phase. There are around a dozen beacons in the city right now.

• Council approved the purchase of security cameras for Orchard Park at a cost of $8,197.06.

JULY 2019 • 9

The Splash

City prepares for small cell wireless infrastructure

By Craig Howard Splash Contributing Editor

Visitors to the Verizon website will find it difficult to miss the messaging about fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology.

“5G is about to change the world – don’t miss out.”

In Liberty Lake, the question is how much 5G infrastructure might change the landscape of the city.

At the June 18 City Council meeting, Director of Planning and Engineering Lisa Key presented a workshop detailing a proposed ordinance to accommodate new small cell wireless technology, including 4G and 5G equipment.

Key explained that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued “a declaratory ruling” in January establishing new, nationwide policies for the rapid deployment of 5G networks to meet growing demand.

Featuring mobile data speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second, 5G is touted as the latest in cellular capability. In 2017 and 2018, Verizon conducted field trials in 11 U.S. markets and plans to have 5G available in select areas of over 30 cities by this year.

“The reality is that the FCC is pushing us way beyond our comfort zone, but the reality is the providers are being pushed beyond their comfort zone,” Key said. “There’s a huge investment in infrastructure that needs to happen.”

Key told council that small cell wireless facilities are “smaller and more densely located than existing macro equipment.” The 4G and 5G equipment generally stands less than 50 feet high with antenna less than 3 cubic feet.

“All the parts and pieces are less than 28 cubic feet total,” Key said.

Since incorporating in 2001, Liberty Lake has established a reputation for policies affecting the look and feel of the city that have affected signage, landscaping and other areas. Key, however, made

it clear that, when it comes to 5G infrastructure within city limits, “aesthetic standards cannot result in an impediment of provider’s network objectives.”

The city has a pending small cell wireless agreement with Verizon that Key said should ideally correspond with passage of the new standards.

“We need to have a code in place,” she said. “The current code only deals with macro wireless facilities.”

The new code would add definitions, address zoning district regulations and establish design and maintenance standards for small wireless facilities.

“We can’t prohibit small cell in any zones,” Key explained. “It would be listed as a ‘limited use’ in all zones.”

Key outlined a “hierarchy” of locating small cell equipment, noting that the preferred location would be on an existing building or replacement non-wooden light poles. The runner-up option would allow co-location on an existing or replacement wooden or metal utility pole. The final option would be on a wireless-only pole.

“The provider would have to show that other options are not technically feasible in order to build a wireless only pole in a residential area,” Key said.

“We’re trying to keep it out of the residential neighborhoods as much as we can. We want to attach it to pole that’s in the public rightof-way, not in a park.”

Replacement poles may be up 10 feet taller than existing poles and no taller than 60 feet. Poles would be non-illuminated and include no advertising or signage.

The city will require an annual registration by providers. All equipment must be in good working order and comply with FCC regulations.

The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the new code by a vote of 5-2. Two dissenting members took issue with requiring annual registration with affidavit that equipment is in good working order and compliant with FCC license. Those in the minority also opposed requiring re-certification at the time of franchise agreement renewal.

A public hearing and first read of the ordinance will take place on July 2. A second read and expected

council action is set for July 16.

City updates TIP With the weather warming up, transportation projects in the city of Liberty Lake – both current and upcoming – are a hot topic again.

City Engineer Scott Bernhard provided City Council with an overview of Liberty Lake’s sixyear Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) on June 4. The latest document covers projects from 2020 to 2025.

“A lot of the funding agencies won’t give grants unless you have a TIP in place,” Bernhard said.

Those agencies include the Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) and Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC). Bernhard noted that all jurisdictions in Washington must establish a TIP according to state law.

Roads, sidewalks, transit systems and bike trails must be included in the TIP. “It’s a whole process,” Bernhard said. “We need to have our part completed by June 30.”

The state will adopt its TIP by the end of the year. Bernhard said the city’s TIP is based on the capital facilities improvement plan approved by council during the 2019 budget planning discussions, with the exception of Harvard Road and Henry Road funding as well as an additional traffic signal that may be supported by a TIB grant.

Council Member Cris Kaminskas asked Bernhard why the larger dollar amounts for the widening of Harvard Road Bridge were slated for 2021 and 2022.

“I was under the impression that we were trying to do that next year,” Kaminskas said.

Bernhard said that the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has indicated that even though design for the project will be completed by the end of this year, it wouldn’t be approved to go to bid until May or June of next year.

“By the time they get it awarded, it probably won’t give the contractor enough time between July and October to get it completed (next year),” Bernhard said.

On June 18, Council Member Hugh Severs revisited the idea of adding a trail between the new middle school to the HUB Sports Center to TIP. Cost estimate for the trail is $150,000. Council approved the addition of the trail to the plan and later passed Resolution 19-256 updating the six-year program.

Earlier in the June 4 meeting, Kevin Schneidmiller of Greenstone Homes gave council an update on improvements to the infrastructure north of I-90. The scope of the work includes a roundabout at Mission and Harvest Parkway that has already been completed.

Schneidmiller noted that work also had begun on Indiana, from Harvest Parkway to the Bitterroot area.

The last section of Bitterroot Street to Harvard – including the intersection of Harvard and Indiana – is in the design process.

That juncture will be addressed by a traffic signal, not a roundabout.

“Our goal is to get it completed this fall,” Schneidmiller said.

Greenstone and the city are also looking at the intersection of Wellington and Harvard out of the Trutina neighborhood, adding that a roundabout is likely the best option.

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COVER STORY

Community is rich in 4th of July traditions, including 30-year-old parade

By Tammy Kimberley Splash Correspondent

Kids on Bikes, babies in strollers and the briefcase brigade.

A simple procession with very few spectators is the recollection of many of those present for the first Liberty Lake Fourth of July Community Parade held 30 years ago. The inaugural 1989 parade was planned by a small group of young moms who wanted to provide a fun event to celebrate the country’s birthday. Thus the idea of a parade with a barbecue and games was born, according to current parade chairman Annie Tichy.

“It was a grassroots idea that has become an amazing tradition for the Liberty Lake community,” she said.

“The first parade we hardly had anyone watching, and now there is a huge crowd!”

Celebrating three decades of existence this year, the annual parade in the Alpine Shores

neighborhood carries a sense of tradition and community spirit that brings back generations and welcomes newcomers year after year.

Tichy said it brings her joy to see a big crowd of neighborhood friends and families marching together to show their love of country, community and family.

She remembers her own children marching in the parade as youngsters and then bringing their friends from college to be part of the festivities. Now, there are thirdgeneration participants who look forward to being in the parade.

“It’s a big deal for a tradition like this to continue,” said Tichy, who has not missed leading the parade lineup since its inception. “It’s a joy to watch kids grow up and bring their own kids to the parade. We take a lot of pride in that.”

Kelli Schneidmiller, who also

Submitted photo The Fourth of July Parade committee starts meeting in May to organize for the summer’s festivities. Current committee members include (left to right) Gen Wimberley, Kelli Schneidmiller, Sue Chapman, Karolyn Kosanke, Annie Tichy, Betty Wolf and Kathy Chalich. (Not pictured is Dave Moore and Gay Mean.)

serves on the Fourth of July parade committee, said that early organizers wanted the parade to have simple ingredients. She remembers the group deciding that it should have a beginning, an end and a grand marshal. It they could line up music and a microphone for an emcee, that would be icing on the cake.

The parade may look a little different year to year, she said, but the spirit has remained the same -- to celebrate our country and our community. While attendance has grown to several thousand, she feels the parade route is about the right size.

“I remember people saying that it wasn’t a very long parade route.

But if you’re pushing a stroller or if you’re a little one riding a bike, it’s plenty long enough,” Kelli said. “It’s a lovely piece of Americana.”

Former Liberty Lake residents Kim and Gayle Nielsen recall that first parade being blessed with sunny skies, flags flying along the streets and a buzz of anticipation in the neighborhood. Gayle remembered helping their three boys (ages 3, 6 and 8 at the time) decorate their bikes with streamers. Kim served as emcee of the first parade (and several years after), where he announced participants from the deck of Dave Graham’s house as they came along Shoreline Drive.

“Kim is a bit of a ham, so he made it fun,”Gayle said.

They said they believe residents took to the idea of the parade because of their passion for the lake, its history and its people. And they kept it up due to the dedication of several key community figures.

“Dave Graham was instrumental in organizing those first parades and getting others involved by giving out roles to make them feel a part of the fun,” Gayle said. “And then there was Ross Schneidmiller with his drive to preserve and document the lake’s past, present and future.”

The Nielsens have since lived in two small towns that had Fourth of July celebrations, but they said none can compare to Liberty Lake’s parade. Now residents of Pioneer, Calif., they are looking forward to returning for this year’s festivities.

“There is such a sense of community around the lake that you really felt connected,” Gayle said.

Ross Schneidmiller, member of the Liberty Lake Historical Society, said that people have been drawn to the area since the 1800s for what’s

The Splash here naturally, such as the lake and the scenery. But it’s the sense of community that keeps them engaged.

“The roots of the parade started with people who had not been in the area long,” he said. “People who were relatively new have stepped up and started some really neat things such as the parade and the concerts at the park.”

The parade came about as a way for people to celebrate their country, Ross said, and it continues to entice like-minded people who want to be part of a community.

“It’s not that we’re more patriotic than others, but we have people who are community-minded and it draws others in,” he said.” Whether it’s an egg hunt or the farmers market or concerts or the parade, if you give people an opportunity to participate in something community-oriented, they show up.”

Activities around Alpine Shores Liberty Lake’s celebration of the Fourth kicks off with the annual T-shirt sale on July 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. on the grass island at Alpine Shores and Liberty Drive.

T-shirts are available in adult and youth sizes for $15 and $10 respectively as well as sweatshirts for $40. New this year are hats which can be purchased for $15.

Gen Wimberley, who created this year’s artwork, said the design will be unveiled at the start of the sale.

Proceeds from the sale offset costs associated with the parade.

The 31st annual Fourth of July parade will begin at noon in and around the Alpine Shore neighborhood. Kids and their families are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters or strollers in patriotic or creative ways. Peoplepowered creations and golf carts are welcomed.

The grand marshals who will be leading this year’s parade are Mike and Pat Lutzenberger (see story in this issue). Parade lineup begins at 11 a.m. at the Shoreline Drive culde-sac. Attendees are asked to leave pets at home.

Immediately following the parade, community members are invited to participate in games in the Alpine Shores common area.

Tichy said Dave Moore has been organizing the post-parade games since the parade’s inception.

“Dave just keeps adding to the

See 4th OF JULY, Page 11

The Splash

4th OF JULY

Continued from page 10 fun,” Tichy said. “There will be even more pies and gunny sacks this year.”

Later in the evening, the community-funded fireworks show will light up the sky over the lake.

For close to three decades, Denise Coyle and her family have solicited funds from the community to keep up the annual show, which costs in excess of $10,000 each year.

Her husband Tim Coyle will be collecting funds at Safeway and the Liberty Lake Farmers Market during the weekends leading up to July 4, as well as canvassing after the parade.

Denise said that people comment how much they enjoy the fireworks, and many local residents have told her to knock on their door if they

COVER STORY

ever find themselves short on funds.

“We have to raise a heck of a lot of money, but our community has never disappointed,” she said. “If everybody makes a donation, we’re good to go.”

Those interested in supporting the lake fireworks fund can do so by sending a donation to P.O. Box 430 in Liberty Lake or via credit card at libertylakefireworks.com.

Party at Pavillion Park Friends of Pavillion Park will kick off its annual Summer Festival on July 3 with a showing of “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” at Pavillion Park. This PG-rated animation carries on the adventures of a young Viking and his fearsome dragon as they search for a secret dragon utopia.

The movie begins at dusk, and residents are encouraged to come early to claim a spot. The Liberty

Lake Kiwanis will be selling concessions.

Festivities continue the next day when The Rub and Tuxedo Junction will be on hand to provide musical entertainment starting at 6 p.m.

They are the first groups of the season to perform in the 2019 FOPP concert series.

FOPP President Joe Frank said the nonprofit organization has received good crowd feedback about locally-based Tuxedo Junction, who has had multiple appearances in past Summer Festivals. The 19-piece ensemble plays big band music, lively swing and concert tunes.

“Tuxedo Junction appeals to a wide age range and they interact well with the crowd,” Frank said.

While FOPP held its first festival in 1997, Frank said the group did not schedule Fourth of July concerts until several years later.

JULY 2019 • 11

FOPP’s schedule expanded as the community’s population grew, and they’ve experimented since with how to bring the best entertainment to the area.

“I think these events are a big reason why people move to Liberty Lake to begin with, so they want to see them continue,” Frank said.

Parking onsite is limited and is reserved for the elderly and those needing extra assistance. Additional parking will be available at Liberty Lake Elementary School.

Kiwanis will sell concession items during the evening. People are encouraged to bring blankets or low-backed chairs to enjoy the concert followed by the city fireworks shown over the ballfields, which usually begin around 10 p.m.

For more information, go to www.pavillionpark.org.

“The 4th of July is the heart of the Tichy family for memories and pride. At the very first parade, my mother was ill but she carried the first flag from the Liberty Lake Church. It is a special memory as she died shortly after. My granddaughter, Gemma, was on The Splash cover 23 years later. The circle of life continues.”

- Annie Tichy Liberty Lake’s Kosanke family participated in the earliest days of the parade, and a new generation of the family is taking its turn these 30 years later.

“Tyra Chalich was the first Liberty Lake Parade Queen in 2003. Her brother Ski (pictured) along with brother Zane help decorate the Chalich family float each year. Tyra now enjoys driving the family along the parade route as they toss candy at spectators along the way.”- Kathy Chalich

“Some of my most fond childhood memories involve building our float each year and then participating in the parade. It’s come full circle for me now and warms my heart as I watch my own kiddos participate in the event. This year will be extra special as my sister, Makenzie, is expecting her first baby on the 4th!”

-Britney Calkins (Larson Family)

COMMUNITY

12 • JULY 2019

The Splash

Calendar of Events COMMUNITY EVENTS July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Summer LEGO Club – 3 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 26, Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. July 2 | Family Bingo – 2 p.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. July 3 | “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” – Dusk, Pavillion Park. Free movie, part of 22nd annual Summer Festival hosted by Friends of Pavillion Park. For more, visit pavillionpark.org.

July 4 | Fourth of July Parade – Noon (participants line up at 11 a.m.), Alpine Shores neighborhood, Liberty Lake. 31st annual parade with grand marshals Mike and Pat Lutzenberger, followed by games.

July 4 | Fireworks shows – About 10 p.m., Pavillion Park for show by city of Liberty Lake, neighborhoods surrounding lake for Liberty Lake Fireworks Fund show.

July 6 | Newman Lake Fire Auxiliary Hot Dog and T-Shirt Sale – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fire Station No. 1, 9324 N. Starr Road. Annual Newman Lake T-shirt will be on sale, and raffle tickets available to win two-person inflatable kayak. Proceeds support Newman Lake Fire & Rescue volunteer fire department. Bloodmobile will also be on hand till 1:30 p.m.

July 6 | “Ralph Breaks the Internet” – Dusk, Half Moon Park. Free movie, part of 22nd

annual Summer Festival hosted

by Friends of Pavillion Park. For more, visit pavillionpark.org.

July 11-13 | Crave! Food & Drink Celebration – CenterPlace Regional Event Center, Spokane Valley. A celebration of the Inland Northwest’s chefs and tastemakers. For tickets and more info, visit cravenw.com.

July 12 | Touch a Truck 2019 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Town Square Park, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane.

Family-friendly event where children explore, climb and touch trucks, includes music, food trucks and more.

July 13 | “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – Dusk, Pavillion Park. Free movie, part of 22nd annual Summer Festival hosted

by Friends of Pavillion Park. For more, visit pavillionpark.org.

July 17 | Magic Show with Cecil the Magician – 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Pavillion Park. Sponsored

by Friends of the Liberty Lake Municipal Library.

July 20 | “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” – Dusk, Pavillion Park. Free movie, part of 22nd annual Summer Festival hosted

by Friends of Pavillion Park. For more, visit pavillionpark.org.

July 27 | Live with Honor & Serve with Pride Music Festival & Charity Event – 3 to 9 p.m., Curley’s, 26433 W. Highway 53, Hauser, Idaho. Second annual event supporting the Taylor Strong Project and raising money for local, first responder charities

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and organizations. For more, visit thetaylorstrongproject.com.

July 27 | “The Kid Who Would Be King” – Dusk, Pavillion Park.

Free movie, part of 22nd annual Summer Festival hosted by Friends of Pavillion Park. For more, visit pavillionpark.org.

Various dates in July | Storytimes for infants to age 5 -- 10:30 a.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Includes “Move & Groove” Mondays, “Book Babies” Tuesdays, “Toddler Tales” Wednesdays, “Preschool Tales” Fridays.

RECURRING

ACT 2 Senior Classes | Affordable classes offered by Community Colleges of Spokane to those who are retired or planning to retire.

A wide range of courses from geology and history to exercise and art are offered at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, as well as other locations throughout the area. For more, search for “Act 2” at scc.spokane.edu.

Baha’i Fireside Conversation | 7 to 8 p.m., third Thursday of the month, Spokane Valley Library, 12004 E. Main Ave. Discussion of Baha’i teachings, history and perspectives on resolving the challenges facing humanity. All are welcome. For more, call 5992411.

Catholic Singles Mingle | Meeting times and locations vary.

This group, with no dues, is for single adults of all ages. More at www.meetup.com/CatholicSingles-Mingle.

Free Last Sunday Lunch | Spokane Valley United Methodist Church, 115 N. Raymond Road, Spokane Valley - 12:30 p.m. on the final Sunday of every month in the church’s Fellowship Hall, Room 115 Grange Meeting and Dessert | 6:30 p.m., third Wednesday of the month, Tri-Community Grange, 25025 Heather St., Newman Lake. The public is welcome for this community-based service organization. For more, call 2262202.

Liberty Lake Library | 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake.

Various clubs and weekly meetings including book clubs, children’s story times, LEGO club, computer drop-in class, knitting club, and more. More at www. libertylakewa.gov/library Men’s Weekly Bible Study | 7 a.m.

Tuesdays. Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Road, Millwood. The men’s weekly Bible Study meets in the Reception Hall with different members sharing in the leading of the study. All men are invited to join. More at www. milwoodpc.org.

Spokane County Library District | Locations include Argonne, Fairfield, Otis Orchards, and Spokane Valley. Special events and weekly activities for all ages including book clubs, children’s story times, classes, Lego club, teen anime club and writing clubs.

More at scld.org.

Toastmasters, Liberty Lakers #399 | 5:45 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays at the Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave., Liberty Lake.

This is a speaking and leadership development club.

Spokane Valley Quilt Guild | Meetings at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of February, April, June, August, October and December at Valley Assembly of God Church, 15618 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley. Open to all interested in sharing ideas and skills of our quilting craft. Participants can access a comprehensive library, engage experienced teachers and participate in community service projects. More at svqgspokane. com.

MUSIC & THE ARTS July 4 | Tuxedo Junction – 6 p.m., Pavillion Park. Concerts featuring 19-piece musical ensemble featuring classic swing, Latin styles, waltzes and modern rock.

Twenty Dollar Bill and The Rub will be opening acts leading up to fireworks show at dusk. Free, part

The Splash

JULY 2019 • 13

COMMUNITY

of 22nd annual Summer Festival hosted by Friends of Pavillion Park.

July 12-27 | “Sally Cotter and the Quest We Follow” – Various times, Liberty Lake Community Theatre, 22910 E. Appleway Ave. Final installment of a trilogy of Harry Potter parodies. For more or to purchase tickets, visit libertylaketheatre.com.

July 12-28 | “The Sound of Music” – Various times, University High School Theater, 12420 E. 32nd Ave. This Spokane Valley Summer Theatre production is based on the classic story of the Von Traffic family. For tickets and more info, visit svsummertheatre.com.

July 28 | “The Merry Wives of Windsor” – 5 p.m., Pavillion Park.

Free play presented by Montana Shakespeare in the Park, part of 22nd annual Summer Festival hosted by Friends of Pavillion Park. For more, visit pavillionpark. org.

RECURRING

Pages of Harmony | 6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road.

Four-part, a cappella harmony, men’s barbershop chorus. More at pagesofharmony.org.

Spirit of Spokane Chorus | 6:45 p.m.

Tuesdays, Opportunity Presbyterian Church, 202 N. Pines Road. Make new friends by joining this women’s chorus, specializing in four-part, a cappella harmony in the barbershop style. More at 218-4799.

HEALTH & RECREATION July 13 | Liberty Lake Loop Fun Run – 8 a.m., Pavillion Park. For more, visit pavillionpark.org.

July 18 | Spokane Valley Partners Golf Scramble – 11:30 a.m. registration, 1 p.m. shotgun start, Liberty Lake Golf Course.

21st annual fundraiser supports Spokane Valley Partners. For more, visit svpart.org.

July 28 | Spokane Valley Cycle Celebration – Rides starting at 8, 9 and 10 a.m. from Mirabeau Point Park, Spokane Valley.

Benefits Valleyfest. For more, visit

cyclecelebration.com.

July 28 | Ride the Bases – Avista Stadium, 602 N. Havana, Spokane.

Spokane Indians-sponsored motorcycle ride event benefiting Community Cancer Fund – Andrew Ripken Initiative. $35. For more, visit spokaneindians.com.

RECURRING

Al-Anon Meetings | Mondays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. No meetings on holiday Mondays. Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon family groups can help. For more, call 425-344-9280.

Al-Anon Family Meetings | Tuesdays, noon to 1 p.m., Opportunity Christian Church, 708 N. Pines, Spokane Valley. Is there a problem of alcoholism with a relative or a friend? Al-Anon/ Alateen family groups can help.

For more, call 456-2125.

Decreasing Anger Group | 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, the Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley.

Eligibility: combat veteran from all eras, military sexual trauma survivors.

For more, call Steve at 893-4746 to make an intake appointment.

DivorceCare Recovery Support Group | Mondays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Eastpoint Church, 15303 E. Sprague Ave. Learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future.

DivorceCare for Kids (ages 5-12) meets at the same time and location.

Cost is $25 for workbook. More at 892-5255 or eastpointchurch.com.

HUB Sports Center | 19619 E. Cataldo Ave., Liberty Lake.

Various activities and events occur throughout the week including: • Pickleball drop-in: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday and Thursday; 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday. $3/seniors, $5/nonseniors.

• Classes including Kenpo Karate, Taekwondo and Fit for YOUR Life.

See hubsportscenter.org for cost and times.

Liberty Lake Community Tennis Association | Rocky Hill Park, Liberty Lake. Free tennis clinics through Aug. 10 as follows:

See CALENDAR, Page 14

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The Splash

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Continued from page 13 Saturday at 9 a.m. (kids 7 and under) and 10 a.m. (8-14). Adults Mondays and Thursday 6:30 to 8 p.m. Ladies Day clinics 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays. For more, contact Larry West at larrywest1@ live.com or 724-1192.

Liberty Lake Running Club | Meets at Liberty Lake Physical Therapy, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through October. Weekly three mile run/walk. Earn T-shirt after six runs.

Military Sobriety Support Group | 10 to 11:30 a.m., Spokane Vet Center, 13109 E. Mirabeau Parkway, Spokane Valley. For more, call Steve at 893-4746.

Mindful Music & Movement | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Willow Song Music Therapy Center, 21101 E. Wellesley #102, Otis Orchards.

Specifically designed for those living with chronic health issues such as Parkinson’s, dementia, COPD, MS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer. $10 donation suggested. Facilitated by boardcertified music therapist, Carla Carnegie. For more, visit willowsongmusictherapy.com or

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CIVIC & BUSINESS July 19 | Business Connections Breakfast – 7 to 9 a.m., CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley. Organized

by Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. Tickets $25 for members, $35 for non-members.

For more or to register, visit spokanevalleychamber.org.

Wednesdays in July | SCORE Small Business Classes – Wednesday mornings, SBA Training Room, 801 W. Riverside Ave. 4th Floor, Spokane. Cost is $25 if pre-registered. SCORE Spokane offers a variety of low-cost workshops designed to encourage the success of emerging and small business owners. Free business mentoring is also available. For more, visit spokane.score.org.

RECURRING Central Valley School Board | 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, CVSD administration building, 19307 E. Cataldo, Spokane Valley

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509-210-0303 23505 E Appleway Ave #106 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Liberty Lake City Council | 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive Liberty Lake Kiwanis | 6:45 a.m. on the first through third Wednesdays of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

Fourth Wednesday, the club meets at noon at Barlows, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library | 2 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month, Liberty Lake Municipal Library, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake Lions Club | Noon to 1 p.m., every first and third Wednesday of each month at Barlows, 1428 N. Liberty Lake Road. For more, call Mary Jo at 558-5426.

Liberty Lake Centennial Rotary Club | Noon to 1 p.m. every Thursday at the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District building, 22510 E. Mission Ave. For more, visit LibertyLakeRotary.org.

Liberty Lake Merchants Association | 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Liberty Lake Portal, 23403 E. Mission Ave., Suite 120. For more, call 999-4935.

Liberty Lake Municipal Library Board | 10:30 a.m. the first Thursday of each month, 23123 E. Mission Ave. Liberty Lake Planning Commission | 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

Liberty Lake SCOPE | 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, City Hall, 22710 E. Country Vista Drive.

Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District Board | 4 p.m. on the second Monday of each month, 22510 E. Mission Ave.

JULY 2019 • 15

The Splash

SVFD Report From Splash News Sources

Spokane Valley Fire Department crews responded to a total of 89 emergency calls in the greater Liberty Lake area* from May 15 to June 14: • • • • • • • •

Emergency Medical Services 65 Building Alarms 7 Motor Vehicle Accidents 7 Fires 3 Dispatched and cancelled en route

Hazardous Materials Vehicle Fires Service Calls

2

2 2 1

The *service area for SVFD Station No. 3 in Liberty Lake FDC Locking Caps – During annual inspections of Liberty Lake businesses, SVFD inspectors noticed an uptick in Fire Department Connection (FDC) brass fire cap theft.

More than a dozen of these fire caps were recently noticed missing from their FDC locations. These fire caps are a fire safety lifeline for buildings.

During a fire event, fire fighters will connect to a business’ sprinkler piping system to ensure water is available to the sprinkler systems located throughout the building. These FDC locations also allow an increase of water pressure to occur.

When a cap is compromised or missing, damage can occur to the system, including rocks and debris to enter into the sprinkler piping.

Once the cap is gone and the piping has been exposed, a business must then conduct a back flush test. This test is to confirm the integrity of the piping system for future use in case of incident.

SVFD recommends businesses install an FDC Locking Cap to help protect sprinkler systems from theft, vandalism, debris, and damage.

Distracted Driving – SVFD first responders go out multiple times every day responding to calls and have noticed an increase in distracted driving that has resulted in fire apparatus and individuals being hit by dangerous driving in an area involved in an incident. While SVFD thankfully has not experienced any deaths from distracted driving, serious injuries have occurred.

These dangerous conditions are being felt and experienced nationwide by first responders. They are seeing an increase in people using cell phones and being distracted when passing by accidents where response teams are actively involved in providing care and safety for those involved in

an accident. Drivers are passing by taking photos, posting to social media and texting, exposing first responders to dangerous traffic conditions in an already dangerous situation.

Spokane Valley firefighters are experiencing near misses and actual hits. Battalion Chief Robert Proctor was hit while inside his vehicle.

Another firefighter responding to a call experienced a near miss of personal and vehicle damage from a distracted driver.

According to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, this type of distraction killed 41 first responders on the side of the road in 2018, a number that is up 60 percent from 2017. Through May, 21 more firefighters have died in 2019 because of distracted driving in an area where firefighters are responding to an incident. In the time it takes a person to glance down for one second at 20 mph, they can travel 29 feet, at 55 mph, a person can travel the length of a football field.

“That’s enough time for a car in front to stop and the one behind not to,” said Spokane Valley Fire Deputy Chief Shawn Arold. “When first responders are on site responding to an accident, the potential for hitting people instead of another car is dramatically increased. Our utmost concern is the safety of our firefighters who are at risk.”

Pilot of New European Style Helmet – SVFD is currently piloting European style fire helmets. The traditional iconic fire helmets have a higher center of gravity, a wider brim, and are limited in their use compared to the European style helmet. The new helmet, Carirn’s XF1, looks more like a pilot’s helmet, weighing just over 3 pounds and offering additional safety options including diverse face shield protection.

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“We want our firefighters to be as effective as possible while they are encountering difficult environments.

Keeping them safe at the same time is definitely a priority,” said Chief Bryan Collins. “Finding better products and options for our firefighters that provide increased safety and reliability continues to be a regular practice at the SVFD.” Testing of the helmets began June 1, and early reception to the helmets has been mixed. The SVFD is seeking to evaluate questions of comfort, weight, visibility, hearing, functionality, integration, protection and ability to shed water during the pilot period.

About SVFD — Spokane Valley Fire Department serves the cities of Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Millwood and the surrounding unincorporated areas of Spokane County with a combined population of 125,000 across 75 square miles.

Established in 1940, SVFD is an Accredited Agency by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, one of only a handful in Washington State. For more information about Spokane Valley Fire Department, visit www.spokanevalleyfire.com.

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1-800-424-5555 or dial 811 Inland Empire Utility Coordinating Council www.ieucc811.org

16 • JULY 2019

The Splash

Please send in this form with your donation to our 2019 fireworks display to:

Name: Address:

Liberty Lake Fireworks Fund P.O. Box 430 Liberty Lake, WA 99019

Phone:

Help us continue this wonderful Liberty Lake Tradition!

L iber t y L a keFi rewo r ks. co m Thank you to our generous LibertyLake fireworks donors: INDIVIDUALS (Stephanie & Tom Agnew) • Steve & Terry Akre • (Michael & Phyllis Ambrose) • Larry & Anne Alexander • (Bill & Kara Ames) • Rich & Lois Anderson • (Bruce & Sara Andre) • Fred & Jaquelyn Aronow • (Alison Ashlock) • (Linda Ashlock )• (Buppha and Neil Begalman) • Sheila Bell • (Gary & Ellen Bernardo) • Debbie & Scott Bernhard • (Gary & Shirley Branson) • Doris Butler • Todd & Valeria Cannon • Duane & Beatrice Carroll • (Stan and Leslie Chalich) • Heather Chalich • Richard Chasteen • (Ron & Beth Cocchiarella) • Wilson & Constance Conaway • Brian and Annette Davis • Kirk & Rosemary Davis • James Dinneen • Jeffery Ellingson • Patricia & James Ewing • Robert Farner • (Dale & David Flambouras) • Gary Fiscus • Heidi & Joe French • Tom Gaynor • Herb and Lin Genteman • Janice Gillingham • William & Elaine Gotfredson • Tom & Kristie Goodan • Terry & Rebecca Grimes • Craig & Joan Guell • Harley & Lorraine Halverson • Armand & Echo Hansen • Barbara Hogenhout • (George & Marcia Hamley) • Rt & Sg Hatch • (Keith and Jan Harris) • Alex & Kathleen Harper • Robert and Melanie Heacock • Lloyd Herman • Babette Hess • (Stan & Barbara Hilbert ) • (Janet Hooper) • Neil & Ava Humphries • Paul and Lisa Humphreys • Abby Itveldt • Fred & Trish Itveldt • Jerry & Ellen Jaeger • PJ Jarvis • (Bob & Sharon Jayne) • Kevin and Jehn Johnson • (Gary & Karen Johnson) • Stan and (Karina Jochim) • (Lori and James Joy) • Jonathan Keeve • (Ron & Linda Knudsen) • (John and Lisa Klapp) • Terri & Pat Kolstad • Charles & Barbara Kogler • (Samuel & Sharon Kinard) • (Richard & Karolyn Kosanke) • (Steve Larson) • Bobbie Larson • Mike & Jan Leedle • Victor & Kristine Leichner • Donald & Ellen Limmer • Tim and Peggy Low • LeRoy & Francis Lykins • Fran Mann • (Doug & Sharon Matthews) • Jerry & Wendy Mauer • (Dennis & Beverly McCoy) • Connie & Gaylord Momb • Brian & Beth Miller • James Nania • (Nata Natarajan) • (John & Terri Ann Nystrom) • Richard & Kay Olsen • Kyle and Kathy Olson • (PZ Pearce) • Steven & Charmaine Peterson • Mark Pinch • Purviance • (Steve & Nancy Rasmussen) • Gary and Judy Rasmussen • Donna Ruelle • Karen Ruef •Jay & Sandy Rydell • (Richard and Karen Sayre) • Suzanne Schmidt • (Kelli & Ross Schneidmiller) • Stanly & Carol Schultz • (Robert and Janis Smith) .• Richard Steury • (Glenn Stewart) • (Thomas Stewart) • (Art & Karen Toreson) • (John & Darlene Vickery) • (RM & Jackie Wills) • (James & Jackie Wolff ) • Nicholas & Leslee Zilka BUSINESSES Albertsons • Beachcombers Garden Club • Big Trout Lodge • Inland Insurance • Kidds Dental • North Side Beach Club • Sandy Beach Mobile Villa • The Splash NAMES UNDERLINED DENOTES GIFT OF $100 OR MORE.

Thanks also to Sandy Beach for the use of their docks and to all of the anonymous cash donors who drop money in the fireworks bucket at Albertsons each year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT TIM AND DENISE COYLE AT 255-6837.

JULY 2019 • 17

The Splash

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Student of the Month When the Spokane Valley Summer Theatre takes the stage on July 12 with its presentation of “The Sound of Music,” Kimball Demars will be in one of the featured roles. The Central Valley senior has emerged as a talented actor/singer who took on the personae of George Bailey in CV’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” last winter. He was also part of the cast of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Demars maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. He participated in cross country as a freshman and sophomore. An Eagle Scout, Demars contributes to community service projects through his church and is also part of the choir. As a junior, he was honored as the recipient of a PACE Trait of the Month.

Athlete of the Month

Citizen of the Month

The first three years of high school soccer for Dori Ames have been noteworthy to say the least. The Central Valley senior was named Greater Spokane League Defender of the Year as a junior and was honored on the All-State 4A squad.

Ames was part of a Bears’ team that placed third in state last season and second in 2017 while also winning the GSL title the past three years.

Ames is a specialist in corner kicks.

This summer she will be part of the Spokane Sounders elite travel squad.

A Liberty Lake resident, Ames grew up playing soccer at Pavillion Park.

She maintains a 3.9 grade point average and has volunteered for Spokane ParaSport and Elevations.

After high school. Ames will continue her soccer career at Concordia University in Portland where her three sisters also competed.

For nearly two decades, Tom Agnew has been a fixture with the Liberty Lake Sewer and Water District. Agnew began his service as a commissioner in 2000.

“Commissioner Agnew has consistently fostered the LLSWD’s commitment to the highest standard of customer service and environmental stewardship,” said LLSWD General Manager BiJay Adams. Agnew earned a diploma in political science from the University of Washington and a degree from UW’s Graduate School of Public Affairs. After a successful career in radio, he founded Agnew Consulting in 1990. Agnew is a past vice-chair of the Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and has been an adjunct professor at Gonzaga for the past 20 years. Tom and his wife Stephanie have lived in Liberty Lake since 1981. They have three kids and three grandchildren.

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JULY 2019 • 19

The Splash

The three S’s that spell generosity

By Tracy Poindexter-Canton Guest Column

My most poignant experiences with generosity have happened through mentorship. Amongst an eclectic network of mentors in my life, I have discovered various facets of generosity; most notably, the three S’s of Selflessness, Sharing and Service.

Selflessness is an essential facet of generosity. Researchers studying the science of generosity at the University of Notre Dame report “generosity always intends to enhance the true well-being of those to whom it gives.” Generosity often requires stepping outside oneself for a moment to give for the purpose of enriching others.

I am reminded of this while reflecting on my childhood and how my late grandma played an integral part in developing my creativity and, inadvertently, igniting a future passion for mixed media art.

Perceptive of my vivid imagination, my grandma kept a cardboard box for me under the chair in her hallway broom closet filled with old gift ribbons, mismatched buttons, knickknacks and other commonly discarded scraps, which I used to create all sorts of fun arts and crafty things. The possibilities were infinite!

From age 6 to 14, every visit to my grandparent’s house involved an exciting discovery of some new treasure in the box. As the fifth of six grandchildren at the time, it meant a lot that my grandma took the time to do something just for me. Also being the extremely neat and tidy person she was, I smile knowing my grandma held onto that unnecessary clutter solely for my benefit.

Sharing: For the past 16 years, I

have kept in contact with a favorite English professor I had while attending Seattle University as an undergrad. Dr. Hamida Bosmajian continues to be an invaluable mentor to me, constructively critiquing my writing and artwork and constantly encouraging me to pursue artistic opportunities. We frequently trade letters, divulging in our common interests of classic novels, New York Times bestsellers, documentaries, plays, art exhibits and a commitment to lifelong learning. With different cultural backgrounds and a 45-year age gap between us, we find a lot to learn from and share with one another.

Service is a key facet of generosity. Its nature of giving and coming to the aid of others makes service the backbone of generosity.

I am eternally grateful to the individuals, throughout my life, who chose to mentor me, serving to foster my growth professionally and personally.

On a much larger scale, I am profoundly inspired by those volunteers, educators, medical professionals, emergency responders, artists, public servants, military personnel and countless others who generously invest their time, knowledge and resources to serve others. Your generosity is immeasurable.

Tracy Poindexter-Canton currently serves in the special education department at Northeast Washington Educational Service District 101. A mixed media artist, creative writer and graduate of Seattle University and Gonzaga University, Tracy is passionate about the arts. Her department lead, Dr. Connie Kliewer, is a current member of the PACE Leadership Team.

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About and for Liberty Lake seniors

Q&A with Arlene FisherMaurer

By Tracy Poindexter-Canton Guest Column

The Splash caught up with one of the inaugural employees of the city, Arlene Fisher-Maurer, who served as finance director and city clerk from 2001 through 2007. Fisher-Maurer was CFO of the U.S. Federal Court in Spokane prior to her transition to Liberty Lake.

She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration from Eastern Washington University.

After Liberty Lake, Fisher served as city administrator in Cheney and later worked in the same role for Mountlake Terrace, north of Seattle.

She is currently the city manager in Union Gap, a community of just over 6,000 near Yakima. Fisher-Maurer was honored with the prestigious Award of Excellence by the Washington City/ County Management Association.

Arlene and her husband Rich are parents of four grown children.

Q: How did you first find out about the job opening in Liberty Lake?

A: My spouse Rich Maurer had been following the incorporation of Liberty Lake from the initial vote.

Although we lived in Newman Lake, he was very interested in the process. He knew that I was looking for a career change after I’d received my master’s degree. He encouraged me to call Steve Peterson and schedule a meeting. The rest is history.

Q: Why did you decide to apply?

A: I’ve always been passionate about “communities” and what I can do to make a contribution.

I was raised in that environment and it was instilled in us growing up to serve others. At this point in my career, I was frustrated with the federal level of government and wanted to get back to grassroots government where you can make a difference. I thought maybe I could make a difference and I love public administration so I tossed my hat in.

Q: What were some of your first impressions of the community?

A: Well-planned and beautiful.

I knew from my education that Liberty Lake had a solid foundation from which to grow. Liberty Lake had beautiful golf courses, tech centers, shopping, Pavillion Park and wonderful churches. All the amenities a family would want in a unique community.

Q: How daunting was it to be part of a team tasked with starting a new city? Had you ever been involved in an effort like that before or since?

A: The entire process was beyond daunting, but we just took one step at a time and solved problems as we went along, or created them.

The City Council meetings were long with an abundant amount of discussion. Policy decisions are not easy, especially when you are trying to create an efficient, fiscally responsible government.

Prior to incorporation, we had to pass and develop 87 ordinances, 62 resolutions and write two policy manuals, and we accomplished those milestones. No, in my 38 years of public service and 18 in city management I have never taken on such a task. I still recall working

16-hour days often times ending very late and still being at my desk at 8 a.m. the next day ready for the next challenge that Mayor Peterson would pursue.

Q: What were some of the keys to the staff, council and mayor working together in those early years to get the city moving in the right direction?

A: Number one was getting the city on a solid financial foundation.

You cannot hire staff on a promise.

After we solved the financial challenge, next was hiring the right staff. The third challenge was office space, computers, copiers, telephones, everything you needed to function as an organization. Most of us either brought our computers from home or bought them with our own funds – just so we could function. Enormous credit goes to Bernard Daines, Jim Frank and Lud Kramer. Without their help of providing office space and Lud’s wwisdom and guidance we could not have incorporated within the five-month timeframe.

Q: Are there some funny or unusual experiences you recall about those early years?

A: Oh dear, too many to list, but here are a few. I recall the night we worked diligently on the mission and vision statement. The discussion

Contributed Photo As one of the new city’s first hires, Arlene Fisher-Maurer remembers the early days of the city of Liberty Lake.

went on and on. I looked over my shoulder and Charmaine Peterson (Mayor Peterson’s wife) and the family dog “Pecos” were curled up in a tiny ball – sleeping in a chair.

Mind you, it was 11:45 p.m. One afternoon, while working on about 1,000 different issues – OK, maybe 500 – Mayor Peterson hands me a book and says, “I want a library.” I looked at him quite sternly and said, “Mr. Mayor – not today.” I wanted to toss that book at him. The library was Mayor Peterson’s vision, and he never wavered no matter how challenging the obstacles were.

Congratulations Liberty Lake, your library is the heart of the community.

Q: What were some of the most rewarding parts of your work at the city?

A: We accomplished what no one thought we could do. Purchasing Trailhead Golf Course was a major undertaking, but the mayor and council had a vision of preserving open space. Others include starting the library, hiring staff and opening the first original library in space donated by Jim Frank. Purchasing City Hall was another milestone.

Finally, when I started we didn’t have two nickels to rub together.

When I left, we had over $13 million in the bank. We established a 15 percent general fund reserve and a 12 percent capital reserve fund.

Q: What do you miss about working there?

A: I miss everything about Liberty Lake, but most of all city staff, the mayor and City Council.

Q: What are you proudest of when you look back on your time with the city?

A: All of the accomplishments we achieved – we, the community, mayor and council built a beautiful city for both business and families.

Liberty Lake is the purest example of a city that incorporated to achieve excellence.

Q: Are there lessons/experiences that you’ve taken from your time with Liberty Lake that you’ve been able to apply in your work for other cities?

A: Never give up. Never give in, and always know there is a solution to any problem.

The Splash

JULY 2019 • 21

22 • JULY 2019

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CV coach fated for the basepaths

By Mike Vlahovich Splash Correspondent

Sometimes it seems as if our lives are preordained.

You could certainly make a case for Central Valley second-year baseball coach Jeramie Maupin, whose Bears qualified for state for the first time in nine years with virtually an entirely new lineup.

Consider the route he took in becoming a coach and winding up in eastern Washington: Maupin grew up in Hoquiam and would meet his future wife, Lori Regnier, in Walla Walla.

“She grew up in Cheney, and was going to Florida (for chiropractic school), and I followed her down there,” Maupin said.

They would eventually move back to Washington where he taught at Heritage High in Vancouver and was JV coach for four years.

Lori wanted to be closer to her parents in Cheney and,

coincidentally, a math/PE job came open at CV where her mother worked.

“I applied and was fortunate to get the job,” Maupin said. “We moved back (from) the other side.”

But wait. There’s more to this story.

Baseball is also in the blood of Lori’s family. Her father, Terry Regnier, was the fiery and successful coach at Cheney from 1980-96, who made the first round of 2A state playoff appearances six times. In 2015, he was inducted into the Washington State Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Do you believe in fate now?

A baseball coach from Hoquiam meeting the daughter of a baseball coach from Cheney in Walla Walla.

What, you might ask, do the two coaches, present and past, talk about?

“We talk mostly strategy, especially offensive strategy and what worked for him in the past.

We also talk a lot of practice stuff including different drills and planning,” Maupin said, then adding in jest, “He also likes to tell me the same stories, over and over!”

Maupin says his philosophy is about doing what best suits his players’ attributes.

“Really it’s about limiting mistakes,” he said. “I try to simplify the game … and just let them basically be athletes and not try to put too much on their plates.

Whatever best suits them is what I ascribe to. It’s about adjusting to the kids.”

A year ago, CV had a team of multi-talented players, several who played on the football state semifinalists. They ran off 10 straight wins at one point during a 15-8 baseball season.

This year, Maupin didn’t know what to expect. The Bears’ roster included five juniors, five sophomores and two freshmen. Yet they won 14 games straight, losing only twice during regular season, both to GSL champion Mt. Spokane.

The team finished 20-4 overall.

Jeremy Maupin, it seems obvious, was destined to be a baseball coach.

Submitted Photo Despite a lineup of new faces, Jeremy Maupin’s Central Valley baseball team enjoyed a 20-4 record this spring.

Sports Scoreboard Spokane Valley Evening Golf League

Women’s

June 5 Results Flight A – Gross, Salena Leavitt, 49; Net, Gail Bailey, 38 Flight B – Gross, Lisa Pounds, 59; Net, Sue Dotson, 43 Flight C – Gross, Diane Rudnick, 65 Flight D – Gross, Terra LawsonGilbert, 78; Net, Nancy Moore, 53 No Handicap - Nancy Harter, 51 Birdie – Kaycee Murray (No. 7) June 5 Count Putts Flight A - Gail Bailey, 14 Flight B - Sue Dotson, 20 Flight C - Diane Rudnick, 20 Flight D - Terra Lawson-Gilbert, 21 No Handicap - Tara Fechser, 21 June 12 Results Flight A – Gross, Salena Leavitt, 45; Net, Gail Bailey and Kaycee Murray, 31 Flight B – Gross, Colleen Lynn, 56; Net, Sue Dotson, 39 Flight C – Gross, Eunie Hubble, 55; Net, Kellie Mullins, 41 Flight D – Gross, Debrah Wallace, 64; Net, Gerri Vance, 37 No Handicap - Mary Plummer, 50 Birdie - Mary Plummer (No. 16) and Barb Byington (No. 15) Liberty Lake Women’s 18-hole Golf Club May Liberty Cup and Putting Tournament Liberty Cup winners - Rose Jones and Artie Bartlett, net 69 A Flight Putting - Karen Madison, 29 putts B Flight Putting - Cheryl Hull, 29 putts C Flight Putting - Sabina Pinch, 34 putts D Flight Putting - Terry Jacobsen, 35 putts June Liberty Cup and Putting Tournament Liberty Cup winner - Tamara Felton,

See SCOREBOARD, Page 23

JULY 2019 • 23

The Splash

SCOREBOARD

Continued from page 22

net 66 A Flight Putting - Barb Frisle and Tamara Felton, 31 putts B Flight Putting - Ann Eure, 26 putts C Flight Putting - Tracie Mantia, 35 putts D Flight Putting - Terry Jacobsen and Marilee Codd 35 putts Trailhead Ladies 9-Hole Golf Club May 22 White tees Flight A - Gross, Jan Viegas, 45; Net, Hedy Longworth, 31 Flight B - Gross, Deanna Hauser, 54; Net, Marilyn Frei, 36 Flight C - Gross, Jeannine Robillard, 56; Net, Kathy Webster and Elaine Lukes, 32 Chip Ins - Carol Oyler and Mary Ellen Wall May 29 Red tees Flight A - Gross, Carol Oyler, 49; Net, Bobbie Larsen and Colleen Kusler, 35 Flight B - Gross, Judi Hander, 49; Net, Ann Parman and Deanna Hauser, 31 Flight C - Gross, Shirley Roberts, 51; Net, Kathy Webster and Margie Frett, 38 Chip Ins - Linda Kern Birdies - Linda Kern June 5 White tees Flight A - Gross, Jan Viegas, 47; Net, Mary Ellen Wall, 32 Flight B - Gross, Deanna Hauser, 51; Net, Marilyn Frei, 29 Flight C - Gross, Jeannine Robillard and Holly Kerl, 57; Net, Shirley Roberts, 34 Chip Ins - Jan Pierce June 12 Red tees Flight A - Gross, Sammie Fletcher, 47; Net, Beverly Lewis, 32 Flight B - Gross, Deanna Hauser, 46; Net, Ann Parman, 33 Flight C - Gross, Margie Frett, 50; Net, Elaine Lukes, 39 Chip Ins - Judi Hander and Beverly Lewis Birdies - Judi Hander June 19 White tees Flight A - Gross, Shelia Kellmer and Bobbi Larson, 49; Net, Carol Oyler and Linda Kern, 33 Flight B - Gross, Susan Kinyon, 55; Net, Ann Parman, 31 Flight C - Gross, Jeannine Robillard, 55; Net, Ann Rousseau, 35 Chip Ins - Elaine Lukes, Beverly Lewis, Kristin Schimmels

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“I am glad there is a solution like ActionCOACH to help support and develop businesses to become commercial, profitable enterprises that work without you,” Ferrero said.

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26 • JULY 2019

The humor and magic of ‘Sally Cotter’ returns to Liberty Lake

By Tie Lemerond Splash Contributor

The Liberty Lake Community Theatre is wrapping up a trilogy of children’s plays it has staged over the past few summers with “Sally Cotter and the Quest We Follow.”

The trilogy is a parody of the Harry Potter books, and many local cast members have returned for each installment of the plays.

“Quest We Follow” was written by playwright and comedian Dean O’Carroll and is the third in a trilogy of satirical plays with “Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone” and “Sally Cotter and the Prisoner of Ala Catraz.”

O’Carroll states, “‘Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone’ is about the power of a good book. ‘Prisoner of Ala Katraz’ is about the complexities of friendship. ‘Quest We Follow’ is about moving on and growing up.”

Carroll was a big Harry Potter fan and wanted to do a straightforward adaptation of the books that could be staged by schools or small theaters.

He got the idea of writing a parody in 2007, shortly after the last Harry Potter book came out and Potter mania was at an all-time high. He wrote the first parody, Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone, and sat on it for over a year. Since then, the play has been produced well over 100 times.

COMMUNITY

Carroll uses comical and witty parody names that’ll keep you entertained throughout the performance, such as: Frogbull Academy of Sorcery (for Hogwarts School of Magic), Goodydrop House (for Gryffindor House), Huggermug House (for Hufflepuff House), Slimything House (for Slytherin House), and Raymenburr House (for Ravenclaw House).

In “Quest We Follow,” Sally buys a copy of the final book in her favorite series of novels. But if she finishes reading it, will the magic all be over? As she sleeps on it, Sally once again dreams she’s a student at Frogbull and enters into adventures that intertwine humorously with familiar plot lines Harry Potter readers will recognize and enjoy.

LLCT held auditions for cast members in early April and began rehearsals shortly thereafter. Angela Hagans and Sandi Wasteney are directing a cast of 34, who play 56 roles. While predominantly children and youth, the actors range in age from 8 to their mid-40s. Of the 34 actors, 11 have been in all three “Sally Cotter” productions and 13 have returned from “Ala Katraz.”

Rachel Kimberley, a Liberty Lake resident who will be a sophomore at Central Valley High School this fall, has played Sally in all three productions.

Hagans moved to the area from Maryland in 2014 and began directing for the Liberty Lake Community Theatre in 2016. She has a BA in Theatre and Communications and has been directing children’s theatre since 2009.

Wasteney is a personal trainer and owner of Balanced Fitness in Spokane Valley. She is also the President of LLCT and has assisted Hagans in directing all three “Sally Cotter” productions. Wasteney and

Submitted photos Liberty Lake Community Theatre cast members rehearse recently for the play, “Sally Cotter and the Quest We Follow.”

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Submitted photo Rachel Kimberley, center, has played the lead role in each of the Sally Cotter productions. She is shown here from the July 2016 production of the first play, "Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone." her daughter, Sydney, who has played Sally’s friend “Harmonica” in all three adaptions, have been doing plays at the theatre for approximately 8 years.

Unfortunately for LLCT, this will be the last year for both of these directors. Wasteney recently moved to Seattle and Hagans is moving to Colorado in the fall.

The Liberty Lake Community Theatre is a small, education-based, nonprofit community theatre that gives invaluable lessons to children by giving them the opportunity to enjoy freedom of expression, to build relationships, strengthen their communication skills and allows them to interact with other likeminded people.

“I love larger ensemble casts like this one, because every single person involved is so important, and they all work together and interact like the intricate parts of a Swiss watch,” Hagans said. “It’s also an amazing and bittersweet reward to perform in front of an audience after working so hard on creating another world for the past several weeks.”

Hagans and Wasteney begin every rehearsal with some kind

of activity/game to bring the cast together as one.

“It’s the transition as an ensemble into the world we are working on creating for the next couple of hours,” states Hagans. “We also warm up our voices for articulation and projection, warm up our bodies to be able to move about the stage for blocking/choreography freely, and warm up our brains to remember to just loosen up and have fun.”

Kidds Dental sponsored the LLCT 2018/19 season, but the theatre does not have a specific sponsor for this show and is currently looking for a sponsor. If you are interested in sponsoring “Sally Cotter and the Quest we Follow,” the theatre would love to offer you a private Thursday viewing, among other things, for your sponsorship. For more information, you may contact Director Hagans at teenboard@ libertylaketheatre.com.

The theatre will be hosting performances July 12-27. For specific dates and to buy tickets visit libertylaketheatre.com. Presale tickets can be purchased either online or from a cast member for $12.

JULY 2019 • 27

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JULY 2019 • 29

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Keith Erickson, Craig Howard, Tammy Kimberley, Tie Lemerond, Ross Schneidmiller, Mike Vlahovich The Liberty Lake Splash P.O. Box 363 Liberty Lake, WA 99019 Phone: 242-7752 www.libertylakesplash.com The Splash is published monthly by or before the first of each month. It is distributed free of charge to every business and home in the greater Liberty Lake area.

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Announcements, obituaries, letters to the editor and

LL senior center needed

Recently, I found out there is a senior center in the Spokane Valley, but not one in Liberty Lake.

As there is a large population of seniors living here I wondered why. I contacted the Mayor's office, and the assistant told me the issue keeps getting voted down.

I am an active senior, and there is nothing for seniors to do where I live (at Talon Hills) except put puzzles together and go out to eat. It would be nice if the mayor's office would take the concerns of the Liberty Lake senior citizens more seriously. A senior center should have activities like dance, yoga, games, etc. Every area of the city in Spokane has a community center with a portion delegated to the seniors in the area.

THE This is a problem.

Along with the rest of the Liberty Lake seniors, I would like to see it addressed, not continually voted down. We are old, not dead, lol.

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JULY 2019 • 31

Couple embracing new life with special needs son

By Tie Lemerond Splash Correspondent

Nothing could prepare expecting parents, Jonah and Natalie, for what they were about to endure.

Natalie Middleton had recently graduated from North Idaho College and was working as a licensed esthetician, and Jonah Austin had graduated in 2015 from Louisiana State University with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

Both were college athletes. Natalie played soccer for NIC and Jonah played offensive guard for the LSU football team from 2011-2015.

The news of their pregnancy came as a shock, bringing a roller coaster of emotions: scared, worried, surprised and happy.

Following a normal pregnancy, Natalie endured a five-day labor at Deaconess Hospital. A placenta abruption caused a lack of oxygen and nutrients for the baby, and Natalie lost a lot of blood. Natalie was not only fighting for her baby’s life but her own as well. After delivery, she received a transfusion of 3 units of blood.

Baby Cash was born Aug. 22, weighing 8 pounds, 7 ounces. He wasn’t crying, was slightly blue and his body was somewhat floppy. The hospital staff ran tests on Cash’s blood and found his blood sugar level to be extremely low. Cash spent

three weeks at Deaconess before being transferred to Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, where he spent an additional three months.

The young couple was thrown into a world of medical jargon and devastation. Cash was diagnosed with Septo-optic dysplasia/Optic nerve hypoplasia (SOD/ONH).

SOD is also known as DeMorsiers Syndrome. A child with this syndrome has under-developed optic nerves. The optic nerves carry messages from the eyes to the brain.

ONH is the single leading cause of blindness in infants and toddlers.

Cash has 5 percent of an optic nerve in his left eye and 30 percent in his right. He appears to have a “sweet spot” – one little spot where he may have the slightest amount of vision, and he’ll occasionally turn his head that direction when he hears certain sounds. Nobody will know the full extent of his vision loss until he’s older.

Cash also has an adrenal insufficiency, which prohibits his body from producing enough cortisol, and diabetes insipidus, which is an uncommon disorder that causes an imbalance of fluids in the body. Special tubes and pumps have been used in his young life to help with feeding and regulation of fluids.

Submitted Photo After spending much of 2018 in hospitals, Natalie Middleton, Jonah Austin and Cash Austin live in Greenacres. Natalie, who played soccer for Central Valley High School and North Idaho College, is from Liberty Lake.

Submitted Photo Cash Austin is pictured here at age 7 months.

Cash’s condition has been mentally, physically and financially stressful on both Jonah and Natalie, but they remain optimistic, push on every day and are highly proactive in getting educated on Cash’s condition, research and treatment options.

“I believe that faith does not make sense but it makes miracles,” Jonah said.

Natalie has not been able to work outside of the home since Cash’s birth. Cash has physical therapy two days a week, feeding therapy once a month, weekly lab tests checking his sodium and potassium levels and he works with a teacher for visually impaired children twice a month. The family of three attends weekly dietician appointments, participates in daily phone consults with the dietician and routine monitoring of Cash’s cortisol levels.

Additionally, Natalie and Jonah are being introduced to the aspects of parenting a visually impaired child.

Many parents experience an intense sense of loss or grief when they come to the understanding their child has special needs. While pregnant, Natalie said she had visions of her child as an athlete just as she and Jonah were, but now she has a different perspective on life and disabilities.

“Cash has made me the strongest woman, mom and overall person,” she said. “He’s changed my outlook on life, and I can’t wait to walk by

his side through his journey.”

Michelle Linehan, a physical therapist with Youthful Horizons who works with Cash, has noticed this parental dedication.

“I see Cash two times per week, but his parents are working with him every day,” she said. “They are phenomenal. They get him toys that light up and make sounds, special seats to help him with strength, just whatever he needs. They truly are the greatest.”

Ongoing research is a key factor in the treatment of ONH, and Dr. Mark Borchert is at the center of this. He is the director of the Eye Birth Defects Program and Eye Technology Program in The Vision Center at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and directs the world’s largest study into ONH. Natalie and Jonah would like Cash to receive care from Dr. Borchert, but he is “out of network,” and the out-of-pocket cost would be extremely high. therefore the cost to their family would be extremely high. It would require a commitment to travel three times a year to Los Angeles, and the initial consultation begins at $1,000.

Dr. Borchert’s office is currently enrolling children up to the age of 2, and with Cash’s one-year birthday coming up, the family sees a timeline of about a year during which funds would need to be raised.

To read more of Cash’s story or make a donation, visit gofundme. com/Medical-Expenses-for-BabyCash.

32 • JULY 2019

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